The book is on everyone’s lips. EVERYONE is talking about this book, telling you that it’s a “must read” book. This book has taken the world by storm. Even people who are generally not readers are saying THIS is the book to read. Does this make you nervous?
I’ve been burned before- a book gets so over-hyped by everyone that I read it AND don’t like it. “It happens” is my general thought process- not every book you read is going to be a great one, or even an ok one.
I’ve even come in late on the “hype”- for example The Hunger Games- my brother was promoting the books months before I read them. Between the hype of the movie and him recommending them, i finally read them- and LOVED the trilogy. But other fans had been recommending the books and promoting a hype of the trilogy well before I joined the gang.
Sometimes the hype is worth it, sometimes it’s not.
So what do you do? Do you give in and read the book right then? Or wait till later on when people aren’t just talking about it so much? Is there a book that was completely “over-hyped” that you wish you could get the hours back? Or is there a book that you didn’t join the fan-club fast enough about?
Does social media have much to do with the hype? Or is it strictly word of mouth?
Traveling With T 
I usually never read hyped up books because I tend to not like best sellers. Maybe it’s because I’m a book snob, or maybe it’s because I tend to forgo plot for beautiful writing. I did read The Hunger Games though and though it was wonderful – I’m a high school English teacher though so I had to. : )
Interesting view point. I read so many different books, but many tend to be “best-seller” types (although I may discover them years later- examples Janet Evanovich, James Patterson.)
I thought The Hunger Games was worth the hype, personally. However, a friend of mine loved Twilight, while I just wasn’t into it so much. So when I told her to read The Hunger Games- she did; but she felt about THG like I did with Twilight.
If you like more beautifully written books- may I suggest Kevin Brockmeier’s The Illumination? Beautifully written with a plot that is intriguing.
I will add that to my to-reads – thank you for the recommendation! I did really like The Hunger Games, mostly because I thought it would work really well with both my male and female students and a lot of young adult books (or just books in general) don’t really fit in that category. It’s so hard to find a good young adult writer for boys 12-15. I think a lot of those writers really dig into the fantasy, but sometimes I just want a literary book that works for both genders. That was a bit of a rant, sorry, haha.
I felt really hyped about Twilight when I read it and now that I’ve thought about it for a while, I don’t have any clue why. The writing wasn’t that great and Bella isn’t even a likable character. It’s strange how that works.
You’re welcome about the book recommendation. When you read it, please let me know your thoughts. I think he has a wonderful style of writing, but it’s very different from my usual books.
I have to agree about your reasons for The Hunger Games- it is hard to find books that will concurrently work with both male and females.
As far as Twilight- while I was glad people were reading (you know b/c reading is generally considered so “uncool”), overall the series did not work for me (however, the movies are better, imo). Bella- agree- she is not a likeable character most of the time. There were times I did like her, but some of the books I wanted to pinch her. It is strange how we like books and then with time, revise our opinions. Maybe it’s a growing up thing?
It must be a growing up thing, or maybe we just need time to stew. One of my favorite books, Lark & Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips – I HATED when I finished it and then the more I thought about it the more I really appreciated it and started to love it.
I am glad people are reading too, even though I’m not sure 50 Shades of Gray being so popular is a good sign for readers everywhere. : )
Lark and Termite- I’ll have to check that book out. I’m undecided about 50 Shades of Grey being a good thing or not- I haven’t read the book yet, but hear such mixed reviews- people either love it or hate it.
I think sometimes I need time to process and even stew over the book. I’m planning on beginning The Night Circus by Erin Morgerstern soon- hopefully.
I’ve heard wonderful things about The Night Circus. I’ll have to come back and see you liked it. : )
I’ve had the book for months and just keep getting sidetracked. I met the author at a book signing months ago.
Oh that’s wonderful. I like her a lot and I like that she wrote the first draft during NaNoWriMo.
I tend to avoid hyped books because I am invariably disappointed (Jonathan Franzen). I also tend to read outside the bestseller list which helps me — no dystopian YA fiction or vampires. But, of course there are exceptions. I am currently engrossed in Gone Girl which has received more Twitter buzz than anything outside of 50 Shades of Gray (which I did not and will not read).
So far, Gone Girl is living up to its hype.
I guess that for me the hype has to be combined with some pretty great reviews and has to appeal to me either because of storyline or storytelling.
PS. I see Cassie mentioned Lark & Termite, which I don’t remember getting much buzz, but which is one of my all-time favorite books.
Gone Girl is fantastic- you must let me know final thoughts when you finish reading it.
After being disappointed in Twilight series ultimately, I was hesitant to read The Hunger Games at first- but after much prodding from my brother I’m glad I did.
I’m going to recommend Kevin Brockmeier The Illumination to you as well- I met him at book retreat a couple of weekends ago- found his book to be beautifully written and him to be very nice.
I learn about some books through hype and some I think are too over-hyped!
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll definitely take a look for it.